What's the most cursed invention in the world?
Barbatos used to think it was leggings, but now she's convinced it's elevators made with tempered glass.
Well, whether it's tempered glass or some other material, she isn't entirely sure.
But when riding the elevator up Tokyo Tower, discovering it had glass panels on the side and underfoot was pure despair for someone with a fear of heights.
Geez!
This feeling was eerily similar to riding a drop tower.
Especially since Tokyo Tower, as Japan's second tallest structure, stands at 333 meters—roughly equivalent to six Ultraman Triggers stacked up, or about seven Ultraman Ace.
From that height, even if you were equipped with [Dead Man's Plate], a fall would be absolutely fatal.
Even if she could theoretically use Kassadin's ultimate to blink and teleport around, allowing her to shift onto a nearby support beam if she fell, the visual impact and psychological pressure were far worse than the oppressive aura of Tamamo Cross's domain.
Before she could let out a desperate 'No way!', her instincts took over, and she reached out to grab Seiun Sky's hand.
Only this could give her a sliver of security. She felt she'd rather climb Mount Fuji—sure, it's high, but it's a slope, not this straight-down, see-all-the-way-to-the-bottom view.
"Why are you holding my hand?" Seiun Sky whispered beside her.
"Huh?"
Isn't it obvious? I'm scared of heights.
Barbatos thought this with full confidence, then remembered something—all their previous hand-holding had been in private.
This time, they were with their friends. If others saw, it could easily be misunderstood.
So… is Seiun Sky feeling shy? Should I let go now?
But no, letting go now would seem guilty, and then future hand-holding might feel less natural.
"You could've held someone else's hand, you know."
"Someone else's?"
Barbatos froze for a second. Under the brim of her cap, her eyes met Seiun Sky's.
Gazing into those jade-green eyes felt like they were saying, "Isn't holding hands just a normal thing?"
Well, in that case, wouldn't it be just as normal to hold anyone else's hand in Team Canopus? Then she wouldn't have to worry about her fear of heights.
Being scared of heights isn't really embarrassing—it's fine if others know.
But… is that really the issue here?
Holding hands might ease the fear a little, but holding your hand is different…
It's the kind of remedy that eases most of the panic. After all, holding hands with someone you like makes your heart race and pulls your focus entirely.
But then…
She noticed the sly little smile on Seiun Sky's face.
As if she'd said all that on purpose just to tease her. Seriously… what do you do when the girl you like is just too clever?
According to her experience as a love expert, if the girl you like is too smart, you might consider pulling a "domineering CEO" move—just charge ahead boldly.
But Seiun Sky was different. Barbatos always felt she was even more aggressive than herself.
She's really no match for Seiun Sky.
She'd have to plan something big later—small skirmishes like this, she just couldn't win.
When the time came, she'd go all out to establish her dominance.
If their friends asked why they were holding hands and started speculating, she'd just explain her fear of heights upfront. No shame in that.
That way, walking around Tokyo Tower hand-in-hand with Seiun Sky would seem perfectly reasonable.
Plan successful.
Ding~
The elevator doors opened, and everyone stepped out. The interior of Tokyo Tower felt rather compact and rectangular, surrounded by transparent glass that separated them from the outside while offering a clear view of the scenery.
Every few steps, there were more transparent panels underfoot, offering a straight view down from hundreds of meters in the air—truly a blessing for those with acrophobia.
The most direct view from here was of the famous "Zōjō-ji Temple" near Tokyo Tower.
Surrounded by Tokyo's bustling cityscape, it stood out like a relic from another century, a piece of traditional Japanese architecture amid the modern world.
The expressways, train tracks, and road intersections wove together with the surrounding skyscrapers, their lights weaving into a beautiful nightscape under the evening sky.
Across from Tokyo Tower, they could also clearly see the Tokyo Skytree standing tall—the structure that had taken over Tokyo Tower's role as the city's primary broadcast tower.
At 634 meters, it was Japan's tallest and had once been the world's tallest tower.
But compared to the Skytree, Tokyo Tower seemed to hold more nostalgic and recreational meaning for the Japanese people.
Twin Turbo was pressed against the glass, staring into the distance with an excited, wide-open mouth.
Even while holding Seiun Sky's hand, Barbatos felt her heart racing.
She was terrified the glass might somehow give way, sending Twin Turbo plummeting down from Tokyo Tower—straight into an isekai adventure.
If Twin Turbo really fell, factoring in weight and acceleration, even Barbatos couldn't save her. It's not like jumping later would let you catch up mid-air, right?
But Japanese infrastructure was far safer than what someone with acrophobia might imagine.
Twin Turbo turned away safely, ready to explore another spot and see what other fun things were around.
But just after turning, she glanced back and let out a soft, surprised "Huh?"
Barbatos and Seiun Sky are holding hands.
Barbatos remained calm on the surface, but inside she was flustered, ready to explain to everyone as soon as Twin Turbo spoke up—how she needed to hold someone's hand to feel secure because of her fear of heights.
And then…
And then she watched as Twin Turbo, after that soft "Huh?", simply turned and kept walking.
The other friends, who'd also glanced over at the sound, looked at Barbatos and Seiun Sky, then seemed completely unbothered as they turned away.
"Huh?"
Barbatos looked at Seiun Sky, then at Twin Turbo and the others ahead.
What's going on? Is it me, or is it them? Based on her past life experiences, shouldn't friends be teasing them or something right now?
Even the clever Seiun Sky showed a flicker of surprise.
Little did they know, from angles they couldn't see, their friends were all wearing knowing, auntie-like smiles.
How wonderful—getting to see Barbatos and Seiun Sky holding hands with their own eyes was just great.
They'd only heard about it from Team Spica before, and by now, almost every Uma Musume at Tracen Academy knew the two were probably dating.
As for the two involved?
One was often asleep, the other often gaming—neither paid much attention to that kind of gossip.
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T/N: They thought they was slick
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.